A
recent survey of 1000 women for online hair and beauty retailer bellezo.com gives some insight into why so many women opt to go all-out on a special occasion, revealing those who style their hair up on dates feel more confident than those who wear it down.

She said: “Some women shy away from wearing their hair up, feeling exposed or out of their comfort zone with
hair away from the face or off the shoulders. Others often rely on masses of volume, extensions or curls, which act as a security blanket.

“It’s all about finding a style to suit your face shape or a specific outfit and experimenting with different looks.”

Here, Jane helps three friends put the survey findings to the test as they try out a new updo.

Sales
executive Fiona MacMillan had her hair cut shorter recently as she prepares for life as a new mum – but if she gets the chance, she enjoys the added glamour of wearing it up.

The 29-year-old from Anniesland explained: “The baby’s due at the end of May. So I had it cut for ease, really.

“I
don’t usually spend a great deal of time on my hair. I like it to look nice but I stopped getting highlights because of the hassle factor.

“I really like having my hair up. I don’t normally do it myself but if I go to the hairdresser then I would get that done.

“I think for a night out it makes me feel a bit nicer and more dressed up, rather than having the same thing.

“When
we went for dinner with our hair done it made me feel like I’d made an effort. When it was longer it was nice to have the curls and have my hair a bit softer.

“My husband likes it messier and more feminine – he’s probably a typical guy like that.”

Get the look: Rockabilly

Jane said: “Blast most of the
moisture out of your hair then, with the nozzle on your dryer and a round brush, dry section by section, creating smooth hair with volume at
the root.

“We took a
slightly off-centre parting and, with the smaller section, created a smooth scalp plait from above the ear to the nape of the neck and secured with grips.

“Spritz the remaining hair with heat protect spray and curl using GHDs or a wand to form tight curls.

“Pull your fingers through to mess up these neat curls to create some texture.

“We finished with Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray for a sexy, wind-styled texture.”

Sales manager Louise Creevy said she would never willingly
have her hair put up.

The 29-year-old from Broomhill in Glasgow admits that wearing her long hair loose is just an easier option but, even after having her hair professionally styled, she didn’t warm to a new look.

She said: “I’ve always had long hair. I’m not very good at doing anything with it so it’s just an easier option for me to have it down, but I also feel a bit more confident. If I was going out anywhere it would always be down.

“I thought
my up-style was unusual with the platting round the side and round the back. It was lovely but I definitely didn’t feel as confident as when my
hair’s down.”

Louise, who says her partner also prefers her hair loose, concedes it could just
be getting used to the change that prevents her from trying something new.

“I’m
so used to having my hair down it is quite different having your hair right off your face. It just took a bit of getting used to,” she said.

“Wearing your hair down is a lot more relaxed, whereas having your hair up just feels so much more formal or false.

“When
we went out afterwards I kept part of it so it was slightly up but not the whole hair-do. It was a good experience to try something new but I’m
still in favour of wearing it down.”

Get the look: Boho braid with a messy bun

Jane explained:
“Blow-dry your hair with your hair flipped upside down and the nozzle off your dryer, and then blast the majority of moisture off to create volume. Comb into your chosen parting and smooth down, section by section, with the nozzle back on. Pop in your rollers and leave your hair to cool.

“Once your rollers are out, starting at the nape of the neck, take a one-inch section and secure the remaining hair away.

“Roll the curl loosely back up and secure with grips.

“Continue doing this until you’ve gathered all the hair to create a messy, low bun.

“Tease and pull gently on some sections to create a softer, ‘undone’ feel. Then spray a light mist of holding spray to finish.”

Lorna, 29, from Cathcart, said: “I usually wear my hair down and either straighten or curl it, but I never really wear it up unless it’s in a ponytail.

“When Jane did my hair up I really liked it, but I always feel it takes a long time to do. But that’s just a perception I’ve got because it doesn’t actually take long. I left my hair up when we went out afterwards and I loved it.

“I
think it makes you feel more done up and glamorous, which helps your confidence. I gave Jane free rein. I wouldn’t have asked for my hair like that.

“If it’s ever been up before I’d have worn it quite loose and low, not as severe, but I
liked it. It was totally different for me and I would wear my hair like
that again. I might even try to do it myself.”

GET THE LOOK: Ballerina bun

Jane
said: “Blast most of the moisture out of your hair then, with the nozzle on your dryer and a paddle brush, dry section by section to create hair that is smooth and straight.

“We took a section from ear to ear following the hairline at the front of Lorna’s head to secure this away.
The remaining hair was pulled into a tight, high ponytail.

“Smooth
the hair up to the ponytail using a brush and add a touch of hairspray to smooth any flyaways. Slip a doughnut over the ponytail. Smooth hair evenly over the doughnut and slip a second hair tie over to hold your hair in place.

“Twist the hair around the base of the doughnut and secure with grips. We kept Lorna’s fringe down but took the front left section and secured to the right of the doughnut and the front right to the left to create a bit more interest.”